It’s that time again, summer movie blockbuster time that is. And thank God for the superheroes. It seems like without them summer movies would be filled with nothing more than remakes and sequels that are the same movie just with a different location.

This Summer of 2011 is simply huge for Superheroes and their fans.

Thor and the X-Men First Class kick-started this summer’s superhero movies, while Green Lantern and Captain America are poised to take control of the box office.

Now let’s take a look at the top 5 superhero films to make it to the Big Screen... to date.

#5 X2: X-Men UnitedThe first X-Men film in many ways was a green light for modern superhero films. Bryan Singer’s presentation of these fantastic characters in a real world setting made the idea of a mutant species seem almost plausible.

X2 is an example of what can happen when you make a sequel that not only expands upon the previous story, but raises the stakes to a degree that requires heroes and villains to cooperate in order to survive. Like the Empire Strikes back, X2 leaves the characters changed and in an uncertain place.

If you are looking for superior superhero sequel, X2 is the blueprint.

I love how in the 3rd Punisher movie and Incredible Hulk the origins are referenced but quickly glossed over to get to the real story. This is the way to make a film and not condescend to the audience.

I strongly disagree with those that name Spider-Man 2. Those of us that found the organic web shooters creepy were even more grossed out when Peter Parker became impotent and was unable to create the sticky web substance. Extra yucks when a kiss restored his libido and ability to shoot white fluid. I'm not super anal when it comes to sticking by comic canon (loved X-Men: First Class) but stripping Parker of his science prowess was a bad idea.

I'm surprised by the people that really liked Thor. Thor had a good intro, an ending, and a great Loki portrayal but the meat of the sandwich was missing. 90 minute popcorn movies are no place for epic subject matter! So, instead of an actual series of events in the middle act we got Thor at a campfire - disappointing.

Posted by: Kragnorak on 6/21/2011 4:15:03 PM

1. Sin City 2. Thor3. Iron-Man4. Blade5. Constantine

Honorable mentions: the Dark Knight, Watchmen, 300, Hellboy

Posted by: Dr. Morbius on 6/16/2011 1:54:09 PM

wot on v for vendder. I like the cartoon movies a lot more1 crisis on two earths(justice league vs crime syndicate)2 batman under the red hood (jason todd story)3 green lanten emrals knigths ( if like lantens you must see this)4 ultimate avengers (do i need to say any more)5 there are a lot of good flims i could have put in there but lets see what dc and marvel give us (marvel zombies, sinestro corps)

Posted by: ikari on 6/16/2011 8:36:57 AM

Licensedhero: I don't think it qualifies -- Is Robocop really considered a "Superhero" movie?

Posted by: The Le on 6/16/2011 6:30:13 AM

@ The Le: But how can you take The Phantom or The Shadow over RoboCop?!?!?

Posted by: Licensedhero on 6/15/2011 10:31:42 PM

5. Batman4. X-Men3. Superman2. Iron Man1. The Dark Knight

5-3 are the movies that got the genre a foothold in theaters, 1 and 2 nearly perfected it.

Are you joking if anything Spider-Man 2 is one of Fewmovies that actually feels and flows like an actual Comic Book.

Posted by: The Wizard of Id on 6/15/2011 11:47:52 AM

@ The LE I would have rather seen any of your honorable mentions before Spidey 2. What about Punisher War Zone? That movie actually feels like a Punisher comic. Spidey 2 & 3, Fantastic 4 1 & 2, the first Hulk movie, and movies like these have made Marvel a laughing stock when it comes to movies. I'm glad they are doing it right with Iron Man, the second Hulk movie, Thor and X-men first class.

Posted by: Clixkilla on 6/15/2011 4:55:22 AM

Watchmen is the best superhero movie.

Posted by: Det. Cole Phelps on 6/14/2011 5:32:03 PM

i- Dark Knight2- X-men First class3- Iron Man4- Spider-man 25- Thor

imo

Posted by: William on 6/14/2011 4:09:08 PM

@JasonCR in what world would Ghost Rider even be in the top 50. "Hi I drink jelly beans out of a glass" was a crap movie and it Dickens me to think they are doing a sequel and that no talent actor who has not done a good film since the 80's ie supposed to be in it. Just saying.

OK , this one is good , I like other peoples opinion on things and to say or tell why they have chose who or what they have chosen ! With that being said , I have my own pics . It is very hard to choose , their are so many to pick from . But , haw I choose my top 5 or for that matter my top 10 , is I look at the movie in detail to see how the story is written , how much action their is , who stars in it , and weather or not the movie makes sense . I for one like comic book movies that stick true to the comic books we read , not ones that write or go by their own story or path . SO , with out further ad-do here are my top 5 : 5 ) Judge Dredd 4 ) The Dark Knight3 ) Superman 2 ) Spiderman1 ) X2 / Incredible Hulk

Sorry LE , but the Phantom is not in my top 5 , but he is in my top 10 ! OH , and by the way ; to every one out there , the original Captain America movie .....IS IN MY TOP 10 PICS !!!!!!

Posted by: Robert on 6/14/2011 7:43:49 AM

I hated X2, except for Nightcrawler.

Posted by: Owlman166 on 6/14/2011 7:32:13 AM

What??!? How did Supergirl not make this list?! Or Flash Gordon? Don't forget the classics! :p

Posted by: hair10 on 6/14/2011 7:31:03 AM

Alright, Spider-Man 2 was probably the most Comic movie I have seen come out. Sure Doc Ock is not 100% crazies psycho, but it was more true to the actual comic nature like the old 1970's/1980's feel.

Now Batman on the other hand. I would not put that at #1 I would rate that one 6 out of the Top 10 in my book. But that's mainly cause I hate the actor playing Batman.

Again this is my view. I base it on the time they were made, actors skills, and the special effects available at the time.

Posted by: Thw Wizard of Id on 6/14/2011 6:54:10 AM

@Clixkilla: What? you're crazy. Spider-Man 2 is easily in my top 10 Superhero movie list, and it's the only Spider-Man movie I own on DVD. I thought the FIRST movie was highly over-rated.

That being said, I stand my by freelance author. While I'm still sad The Phantom and The Shadow didn't make the list, I trust his judgement.

Posted by: The Le on 6/14/2011 6:15:54 AM

SPIDER-MAN 2? GARBAGE! That movie was the decline fo Spider-Man movies. I don't want my Doc Ock to be a sympathetic villian. I want Otto to be a vicious maniac who'll stop at nothing to destroy Spidey. I call Tomfoolery on this one.